PRESS RELEASE

This week Rep. Michael Capuano refiled his bill establishing penalties for counterfeiting or selling tickets to the Presidential Inaugural. He first filed this bill in the fall of 2008, after reports surfaced that Inaugural tickets were being put up for sale. Members of Congress receive a limited number of Inaugural tickets that they make available at no cost to interested constituents.

“Four years ago, and again this time, my office received many more requests for tickets than we could accommodate. These tickets should not be sold to the highest bidder. Anyone obtaining them and then seeking to profit should be penalized,” stated Rep. Capuano.

The Presidential Inaugural is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together and witness history. It is a day to put aside partisanship and celebrate democracy. That opportunity should be available to everyone.

“Four years ago the Senate passed similar legislation. I am hopeful that, because this problem has surfaced again, it will be illegal to profit from these tickets before our next President takes the oath of office,” stated Rep. Capuano. The bill, H.R. 336, was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.